Start your day with a burst of flavor and a hint of fall magic! These Pumpkin Orange Cranberry French Toast Muffin Cups are not just your average breakfast treat; they’re a delightful fusion of sweet pumpkin, zesty orange, and tangy cranberries, all baked into perfectly portable muffin cups. Imagine indulging in a warm, fluffy muffin that captures the essence of autumn with every bite. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, these muffin cups are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 12 muffin cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and orange juice until smooth and well combined. This will create the wet base for your muffin cups.
- Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the wet mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the liquid.
- Gently fold the cubed bread into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring each bread piece is completely coated. Let the bread soak for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries into the soaked bread mixture, folding gently to distribute them evenly.
- Carefully spoon the bread and pumpkin mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup almost to the top. Press down slightly to compact the mixture.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffin cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a spatula.
- Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and garnished with additional cranberries if desired.
Tips
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. It will absorb the pumpkin mixture better, resulting in a more flavorful muffin cup.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can add an extra layer of warmth to your muffin cups.
- Let the Bread Soak: Allowing the cubed bread to soak in the pumpkin mixture for 5 minutes is crucial. This step ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your muffin cups. They’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve with Toppings: Elevate your muffin cups by serving them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of additional cranberries for a festive touch.
- Make Ahead: These muffin cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven for a quick and delicious breakfast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 72kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 62mg
